Common Achilles Tendon Injuries and How to Treat Them
If you feel at the back of your ankle, you’ll find the Achilles tendon, which attaches your calf muscle to this part of your foot. Unfortunately, if you injury your Achilles tendon, you’ll also feel it, but in a much different way.
Injuring your Achilles tendon can happen through increasing your intensity in sports or workouts, or if you start a new sport altogether. It can also happen in an accident at work, such as a fall.
An acute rupture of the Achilles tendon is a common injury, resulting in either a partial or complete tear when this tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. Achilles tendinopathy is a chronic condition that leads to weakness and breakdown from small tears.
How Do I Know If I Have an Injury to My Achilles Tendon?
You’ll likely want to have a doctor take a look if you notice mild to severe pain and a tender feeling in the back of your heal. You may find the area feels weak or stiff, especially in the morning before you’ve had a chance to get moving.
Swelling will likely clue you in, as will the decreased strength and movement you have in your foot. A complete tear will feel like someone has deliberately wounded you in the back of your heel and will likely make it difficult for you to walk.
What Can I Do for an Achilles Tendon Injury?
If you think you’ve injured your Achilles tendon, you should immediately stop any activity and get some rest. Ice can help reduce the swelling and compression will help increase blood flow to the area.
It helps to keep your impacted foot elevated too. Seeing a doctor is important to get an official diagnosis. You can also benefit from working with a physiotherapist.
In the meantime, keep your weight off your ankle. Using crutches can help you get around without further taxing this tendon. You’ll want to stretch and strengthen too, something your physiotherapist can certainly help you do.
Ultimately, you’ll want to avoid injuring your Achilles tendons in both legs by taking preventative measures. Wearing supportive shoes will help you evenly distribute your weight when you walk. You should also make sure you warm up and stretch before engaging in any time of exercise or sport. Finishing your activities with these stretches will also help your Achilles tendons.
When starting a new sport or workout routine, don’t jump right in with both feet. Take a measured approach by gradually building up your physical activity. Take proper rests between your workouts and sport practices too, which will allow your muscles and tendons enough time to properly recover.
If you want to ensure your Achilles tendons don’t sustain injuries while working on your fitness or when you try new sports, work with a physiotherapist. You don’t even have to go anywhere with In Your Home Therapy, as our licensed professionals will come to you!
